Research Progress on the Treatment of Anal Sphincter Recovery Using Chinese and Western Medicine

Abstract

The anal sphincter is a muscular ring located at the end of the human digestive and intestinal system. It plays a crucial and irreplaceable role in the entire system, as well as in human physiological life. Whether under normal physiological conditions or pathological states, the function and condition of the anal sphincter may be impaired to varying degrees. In the domain of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), a variety of approaches have been explored for functional restoration of the anal sphincter, including but not limited to electroacupuncture, mild moxibustion combined with mesenchymal stem cell transplantation, medicated thread therapy, thread-dragging combined with herbal sitz baths, thread-dragging with counter-drainage, TCM-based treatments for central anal sphincter paralysis, and the application of Coptis chinensis nanogel patches for wound repair following perianal abscess. Western medical treatments include sphincter-preserving approaches for low rectal cancer, anal fistula, and perianal abscess, as well as interventions such as artificial anus procedures.